System for presenting media programs

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may use, for example, a method for sending a set-top box an identification of the media player, receiving operational instructions from the set-top box according to the emulator executed by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the media player by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphical user interface, and transmitting media content to the set-top box according to the operational instructions. The emulator can be supplied to the set-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to the set-top box. The user interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator substantially mimics functions of the media player. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/738,367 filed Apr. 20, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to media devices, and morespecifically to a system for presenting media programs.

BACKGROUND

Multimedia systems can be configured or integrated with an interactiveentertainment set-top box (STB). STBs generally require that customizeddevices of media programs (e.g., MP3 and/or MP4 players) either becopied to the hard drive of the STB or streamed thereto. This can be atime consuming and tedious process, particularly where a large number ofsmaller media files are involved, such as music files. Additionally, theuser interface (UI) of the STB can be complicated, and unfamiliar to theuser for playback of the transferred media programs, especially for auser who is accustomed to the UI of the media player that supplied themedia programs to the STB.

A need therefore arises for a system for presenting media programs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication system;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method operating in the communicationsystem; and

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, whenexecuted, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide a systemfor presenting media programs.

In a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a multimedia system canhave a controller element to receive a request from a set-top box (STB)for an emulator that emulates a user interface of a media player,wherein the request identifies the media player, retrieve the emulatoraccording to the identification of the media player, and transmit to theSTB the emulator for emulating the user interface of the media player byway of the STB.

In a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readablestorage medium in a presentation device can have computer instructionsfor activating an emulator that emulates a user interface of a mediaplayer.

In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a media player can havea controller element to receive operational instructions from an STBaccording to an emulator activated by the STB that emulates a userinterface of the media player.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an internet protocoltelevision (IPTV) communications system 100 having portions that can beconfigured for managing and presenting media stored on one or more mediaplayers (MPs) 102. In a typical IPTV backbone, there is at least onesuper head office server (SHS) 106 which receives national media fromsatellite and/or media servers from service providers of multimediabroadcast channels. The SHS 106 forwards IP packets associated with themedia content to video head servers (VHS) 108 via a network of videohead offices (VHO) 110 according to common multicast communicationmethod. The VHS 108 then distributes multimedia broadcast programs tocommercial and/or residential buildings 112 housing a gateway 114 (e.g.,a residential gateway or RG). The gateway 114 can distribute broadcastsignals to receivers such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) 116 which in turnpresent broadcast selections to media devices 118 such as displaysystems (e.g., computers, LCD or CRT monitors, and LCD or CRTtelevisions) or audio systems managed in some instances by a wired orwireless media controller 117 (e.g., infrared or RF remote controls).

Unicast traffic can also be exchanged between the STBs 116 and thesubsystems of the IPTV communication system 100 for services such asdelivery of media to STBs 116. Although not shown, the aforementionedsystem 100 can also be combined with analog broadcast distributionssystems.

An STB 116 operating in the system 100 can comprise a memory element, acontroller element, a network interface, and a MP interface. The memoryelement can utilize common storage technologies (e.g., hard disk drives,flash memory, etc.) for retrieval and storage of various data includingaudio media, moving image media, and still image media, in one or morelocal or remote locations managed by the controller element. Thecontroller element can utilize common audio, visual, and videoprocessing technologies (e.g., Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG),Joint Photographics Experts Group (JPEG), Graphic Interchange Format(GIF), H.264, high definition TV, standard definition TV, etc.) tomanage and present media on a media device 118. The network interfacecan utilize common networking technologies (e.g., LAN, WLAN, TCP/IP,etc.) to manage communication with the gateway 114 and the IP networkvia wireline (e.g., Ethernet or cable) or wireless communications (e.g.,WiFi). The MP interface can utilize common wireline (e.g., USB orFirewire) and/or wireless (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth) technologies tomanage communications between the STB 116 and the MP 102.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary method 200 operating in portions of thecommunication system 100. Method 200 has variants as depicted by thedashed lines. It would be apparent to an artisan with ordinary skill inthe art that other embodiments not depicted in FIG. 2 are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the claims described below.

Method 200 begins with step 202 where the MP 102 is connected with theSTB 116. The connection can be wireless or by wireline, and can bepassive or active. For example, the user can connect a MP 102 to a USBport of the STB 116. In another example, the STB 116 can be configuredto automatically detect and connect to MPs 102 having a wirelessinterface, such as Bluetooth or WiFi connection. In yet another example,the user can transmit a signal from one or both of the MP 102 and theSTB 116 to establish a connection.

MPs 102 can include any type of device for the presentation of mediathat can be connected to a STB 116 via the MP interface, includingpersonal or portable media devices. Media presented by MPs 102 caninclude audio media, visual media, and audio/visual media. For example,a MP 102 can be an audio-only device (e.g., MP3 music player or asatellite radio device), a video-only device (e.g., a digital camera),or an audio-visual device (e.g., a portable video and audio mediaplayer, a camera phone, or a digital video camera). Additionally, an MP102 can be configured to store other files, including files associatedwith the media, such as playlists.

In response to the MP 102 being connected to the STB 116, the STB instep 204 can identify the connected MP. In some instances, the STB 116can be configured to automatically identify the MP 102 on the basis ofidentifying information transmitted between the STB and the MP.Identifying information can include a model number, a serial number, ora description of the MP 102. For example, a MP 102 can be configured toautomatically transmit identification information to the STB 116, suchas an identifier string including model information. Alternatively or incombination, the STB 116 can be configured to allow a user to manuallyidentify the MP 102. For example, after connection of the MP 102 to theSTB 116, the STB can be configured to allow a user to identify the MP byprompting the user to select from a list of MPs. Additionally, such amanual entry configuration can be used when the STB 116 fails toautomatically identify the MP 102. For example, a manual entry can beused by the user to identify a legacy MP 102 which may not be configuredto provide an identifier string or a newer model of MP.

Once MP 102 is identified by STB 116, the STB can activate an emulatorwhich emulates a user interface of the connected MP to allow users tomanage and present media from the MP via the STB. Separately or incombination with step 204, the STB 116 in step 206 can be configured toidentify an emulator that corresponds to the identified MP 102. Forexample, the STB 116 in step 206 can access a database listing emulatorscorresponding to various MPs 102. Additionally, a database containing MP102 identification information can also include emulator identificationinformation.

However, identification of a corresponding emulator can vary dependingon the type of MP 102 and the configuration of emulators available tothe STB 116. In some instances, one to one correspondence betweenemulators and MPs 102 can exist. That is, for each MP 102, a separatecorresponding emulator can also exist. However, emulators can beconfigured to correspond with more than one MP 102 or even to an entirefamily of MPs. For example, a single emulator can be configured tocorrespond and operate with an entire line of MP products. In someinstances, however, the STB 116 may not be able to identify an emulatorcorresponding to the identified MP 102. In such instances, the STB 116can be configured to generate a corresponding error message for theuser. Alternatively, or in combination, the STB 116 can be configured toautomatically identify an alternate emulator. For example, the STB 116can be configured to automatically identify an emulator for MP 102 fromthe same manufacturer, such as an emulator corresponding to a MP havinga similar model number. In another example, the STB 116 can beconfigured to automatically identify a generic emulator associated witha particular MP 102. Such generic emulators can be configured to allow auser to control at least basic functions of the MP 102. For example, ageneric MP3 player emulator can be configured to include at least abasic set of controls (e.g., play, stop, skip forward, skip back, volumecontrol, etc.) common to all MP3 players.

Subsequently, or in combination with steps 204 and 206, the STB 116 instep 208 can be configured to automatically retrieve the identifiedemulator from a memory element. However, the location of the identifiedemulator can vary and can include locations in local memory elements ofthe STB 116 or in remote memory locations. These locations can bedetermined in several ways. For example, when the STB 116 accesses oneor more databases to identify an emulator for the MP 102 in step 206,additional entries in such databases can be configured to include thelocation of the emulator. In another example, all emulators can bestored in one or more designated memory elements, and the STB 116 can beconfigured to automatically access these memory elements to retrieve theemulator. In some instances, at least some emulators can be stored in alocal memory element of the STB 116. For example, a local memory elementcan store emulators for more common MPs 102 or emulators for MPs thathave been previously connected to the STB 116. In other instances, anemulator can be stored within a memory element in the MP 102.

Once the emulator has been retrieved from a memory element by the STB116, the STB in step 210 can activate the retrieved emulator.Subsequently, the user can use the emulator to manage and present mediawithin the MP 102 via the STB 116. However, an emulator can beconfigured to operate and interact with the MP 102 in various ways. Insome cases, an emulator can be configured to provide a completeemulation of the MP 102 itself. That is, the emulator would perform onthe STB 116 all the functions that the hardware and/or system softwareof the MP 102 would perform to manage and present the media on the MP102. For example, the STB 116 can be configured to transfer thecurrently selected media from the MP 102 to the STB 116. Subsequently,the emulator would access and process the transferred media just as theMP 102 would, and output the media via the media device 118.

However, in other cases, the emulator can be configured as only an inputand output interface for the MP 102. In such instances, the STB 116 cantransmit user inputs received by the emulator directly to the MP 102.Subsequently, the response or output generated by the MP 102 can betransmitted back to the STB 116 and the emulator can output via themedia device 118 connected to the STB. For example, the output of audiomedia from the MP 102 to the STB 116 can be configured as an audiostream received by the STB and the emulator can output the audio streamto an audio system connected to the STB.

To facilitate user interaction with the MP 102 via the STB 116, theemulator can be configured to include a graphical user interface (GUI)120 (shown in FIG. 1) that emulates the user interface for the mediaplayer. The emulator GUI 120 can be presented on a display device of themedia device 118 or a media controller 117. For example, the emulatorcan configure an emulator GUI 120 to duplicate the user interface of anMP3 player connected to the STB 116 on a display device connected to theSTB 116. Such a configuration allows the user to operate the emulatorvia the emulator GUI 120, and can allow the user to view and selectmedia stored on the MP 102 as if the user were operating the MP.

However, the emulator GUI 120 is not intended to be limited to onlyduplicating the user interface of the MP 102. For example, the emulatorcan rearrange the input and output interfaces in the emulator GUI 120 asneeded, required or desired. In some instances, the emulator canrearrange the input and output interfaces of the emulator GUI 120 toprovide a more practical or usable interface. For example, if a MP 102is configured with user input and output interfaces located on differentsurfaces of the MP 102, the emulator GUI 120 can be rearranged to allowfor a two dimensional presentation on a display device. Alternatively,an emulator can provide a rearranged emulator GUI 120 in order toprovide a compact footprint on the media device display.

The emulator GUI 120 can also include additional user inputs. Forexample, the emulator GUI 120 can provide user inputs to allow users toselect a compacted version of the emulator GUI. In another example, theemulator GUI 120 can include a user input for the user to select adifferent emulator. In yet another example, the emulator GUI 120 caninclude a user input for transferring one or more files from the MP 102to the STB 116.

Once the emulator is activated, the STB 116 can begin to receive userinputs and the emulator in step 212 can analyze the commands associatedwith such user inputs. User inputs can be received from a mediacontroller, a user interface of the STB 116 or the media device 118, theMP 102, or any combination thereof. In some instances, each button on amedia controller 117, STB 116, media device 118, or the MP 102 can beassociated with a specific command. In other instances, the user cannavigate the emulator GUI 120 using a D-pad or arrow buttons on a mediacontroller 117, and input commands by selecting inputs for the emulatorGUI using the media controller 117.

After analyzing the command associated with user input, the emulator instep 214 can determine whether the command corresponds to a validcommand for the current MP 102. That is, the emulator can be configuredto determine whether the MP 102 would normally respond to such a userinput. For example, if a user input to increase volume is received bythe STB 116 and the volume is already at a maximum level, the emulatorcan determine that the command is invalid and take no action. Similarly,if a command to proceed to the next track in an album or playlist isdetected and no subsequent tracks exist, the emulator can determine thatthe command is invalid and take no action. Therefore, if the emulatordetermines that the user input received by the STB 116 does notcorrespond to a valid command for the MP 102 in step 214, the emulatorcan continue to monitor for and analyze other user inputs received bythe STB 116.

If on the other hand the emulator does determine in step 214 that a userinput corresponds to a valid command for the MP 102, then the commandcan be processed and the corresponding action can executed by theemulator according to steps 216-234. For example, the emulator in step216 can determine whether the command received by the emulatorcorresponds to a command to exit the emulator. Such a command cancorrespond with a user input activating a power button in the emulatorGUI 120 or on the MP 102 itself. In some instances, the emulator caninclude an additional button in the emulator GUI 120 to terminate theemulator. Additionally, the STB 116 can be configured to automaticallygenerate a termination command for the emulator whenever the STB 116detects that the MP 102 has been disconnected from the STB. Once acommand to terminate the emulator is detected, the emulator canterminate in step 218 and cease displaying the emulator GUI 120.

Separately, or in combination with step 216, the emulator can alsoprocess user inputs in step 220 and execute corresponding commands forother functions of the MP 102 in steps 222-236. However, how theemulator interprets such user inputs can depend on how the emulator, theemulator GUI 120 and/or the MP 102 are configured. For example, some MPs102 can be configured to include an input interface with one or moreanalog input devices, such as wheels, sliders, levers, or knobs. In suchinstances, the emulator can be configured to accept alternate types ofinput to activate such analog input devices. For example, for a volumecontrol knob, the emulator can be configured to accept an input fromvolume up and down buttons on a remote control. However, the emulatorcan be configured to allow the user to select the “knob” in the emulatorGUI 120 and to allow the user to adjust the position of the “knob” usingrepeated depressions of a D-pad, an arrow key, or other buttons on themedia controller 117. Additionally, in instances where analog inputdevices are configured with maximum or minimum positions, such as in avolume or tuning knob, the emulator can provide an emulator GUI 120having multiple selectable positions for the analog input devicecorresponding to various positions available for the analog inputdevice. In one embodiment, the emulator can be configured to allow auser to input MP 102 commands for the emulator via the MP 102 withouthaving to provide an alternative means for providing user inputs forsuch analog input devices.

Once the emulator determines that the user input, corresponds to a validcommand for the MP 102 and is not a command to exit the emulator, theemulator in step 220 can determine whether the user input corresponds toa command to present new media. If the emulator determines in step 220that the user input corresponds to a command to present new media, theemulator in steps 222-228 can retrieve and present the media on themedia device 118 connected to the STB 116.

However, the response of the emulator to a command to present new mediacan depend on how the emulator is configured to operate with the MP 102.For example, the emulator in step 222 can directly retrieve the newmedia from the MP 102. Subsequently, the emulator in step 224 canpresent the retrieved media through the GUI 120 on a media device 118connected to the STB 116.

In another embodiment, the emulator can be configured as an input andoutput interface for the MP 102. In such instances, a commandcorresponding to selecting new media can be transmitted to the MP 102 instep 226. The MP 102 in step 228 can retrieve and present the selectedmedia and transmit the output of the MP 102 back to the STB 116. Theemulator in step 224 can then present the transmitted media to the uservia the media device 118.

Subsequently, or in combination with steps 222-228, the emulator canadjust the current presentation of the emulator GUI 120 in step 230 toreflect the new media being presented. For example, an emulator GUI 120for an MP3 player can display audio program information for the newlyselected audio program, such as artist name, album, and title of theaudio program. In another example, for an MP3 player emulator presentingaudio media, information displayed in the emulator GUI 120, such aselapsed time or time remaining, can be automatically adjusted by theemulator or retrieved from the MP 102.

Alternatively, the emulator can determine in step 220 that the userinput corresponds to a command unrelated to selecting new media. In suchcases, the emulator can execute the command associated with the receiveduser input in step 232 and if necessary, adjust the emulator GUI 120 instep 230 to reflect the executed command. However, where the command isactually executed varies according to the configuration of the emulator,the STB 116, and the MP 102. Therefore, in some instances the emulatorin step 234 can transmit the command to the MP 102 and the command canbe executed by the MP 102 in step 236. For example, a command toincrease or decrease volume for audio media can depend on the deliveryof the audio media to the media device 118. If the emulator isconfigured to process the audio media directly from the MP 102, as insteps 222 and 224, then a command to increase or decrease volume wouldbe executed by the emulator only, as a volume change on the MP 102 wouldnot affect the output. In contrast, where the MP 102 is configured toretrieve and transmit the audio media as an audio stream to the STB 116,as in step 228, a volume change on the MP 102 can affect the output,therefore the command can be executed by the MP 102. In either case, theemulator in step 230 can adjust the emulator GUI 120 to reflect theresults of the command being executed. Afterwards, the emulator in steps212 and 214 can continue to monitor for and analyze user inputs of theSTB 116 and repeat steps 216-236 to process any subsequent commands forthe MP 102.

Upon reviewing the foregoing embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure canbe modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, the system 100 cancomprise a cable media system, a satellite media system, an IPTV system,or any combination thereof. Therefore, the aforementioned steps in wholeor in part can operate in one or more portions of one or more of theaforementioned systems. For example, the steps for the STB 116 to selectand execute the emulators from databases can be executed in one or moreportions of the cable media system, while other steps can be executed inan IPTV system. In another embodiment, the STB 116 and the MP 102 canfrequently exchange media data during an on-going media presentation inorder to accelerate presentation of the media after a media has beenpaused by caching media at the STB. In still another example, an STB 116can be configured to copy all media from the MP 102 to a memory of theSTB 116, and the emulator can process the media without having theaccess the MP 102. In yet another embodiment the media controller 117,media device 118, STB 116, the MP 102, and remote databases can in wholeor in part be integrated to perform the methods described herein.

These are but a few examples of modifications that can be applied to thepresent disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims.Accordingly, the reader is directed to the claims section for a fullerunderstanding of the breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 300 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 300 may include a processor 302 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 304 and a static memory 306, which communicate with each othervia a bus 308. The computer system 300 may further include a videodisplay unit 310 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system300 may include an input device 312 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 314 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 316, a signal generationdevice 318 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 320.

The disk drive unit 316 may include a machine-readable medium 322 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 324)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 324may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 304, the static memory 306, and/or within the processor 302during execution thereof by the computer system 300. The main memory 304and the processor 302 also may constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 324, or that which receives and executes instructions 324from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 326 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 326 using the instructions 324. Theinstructions 324 may further be transmitted or received over a network326 via the network interface device 320.

While the machine-readable medium 322 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape; andcarrier wave signals such as a signal embodying computer instructions ina transmission medium; and/or a digital file attachment to email orother self-contained information archive or set of archives isconsidered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storagemedium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one ormore of a machine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listedherein and including art-recognized equivalents and successor media, inwhich the software implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-readable storage device, comprisinginstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: receiving a request from a set-top boxfor an emulator that emulates a media player by presenting the mediaplayer as a user interface in a graphical user interface, wherein theemulator comprises software instructions executed by the set-top box toemulate the user interface of the media player via the set top box;receiving an identification of the media player; retrieving the emulatoraccording to the identification of the media player; and transmitting tothe set-top box the emulator for executing the software instructionsassociated with the emulator, thereby emulating the user interface ofthe media player by way of the set-top box; wherein the user interfacepresented by the set-top box by way of the emulator mimics the mediaplayer; wherein the media player presents one of audio media, movingimage media, or still image media; wherein the graphical user interfaceis presented on a display device of a remote controller or apresentation device coupled to the set-top box; and wherein theidentification of the media player comprises one of a model number, aserial number, or a description of the media player.
 2. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 1, wherein the moving imagemedia conforms to one of a plurality of standards defined by a movingpicture experts group.
 3. The computer-readable storage device of claim1, wherein the still image media conforms to a joint photographicexperts group standard.
 4. The computer-readable storage device of claim1, wherein the still image media conforms to a graphic interchangeformat standard.
 5. The computer-readable storage device of claim 1,wherein the media player wirelessly communicates data for presentationwithout using a hardwire interface.
 6. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable storage device is usedby a multimedia system, and wherein the multimedia system comprises oneof an internet protocol television system, a cable media system, or asatellite media system.
 7. A method, comprising: determining, by aset-top box comprising a processor, an identification of a media player;initiating, by the set-top box, an emulator according to theidentification to emulate the media player by presenting the mediaplayer as a user interface in a graphical user interface, wherein theemulator comprises software executed by the set top box to emulate theuser interface of the media player via the set top box; and receiving,by the set-top box, data from the media player responsive to a requestby the emulator; presenting, by the set-top box, through the graphicaluser interface media stored in the media player determined from thedata; receiving, by the set-top box, by way of a selection applied tothe graphical user interface a request to present the media; wherein theuser interface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulatormimics the media player; wherein the media player presents one of audiomedia, moving image media, or still image media; wherein the graphicaluser interface is presented on a display device of a media controller ora presentation device coupled to the set-top box.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein the media player is coupled to the set-top box.
 9. The methodof claim 7, further comprising retrieving the media from the mediaplayer responsive to the selection.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising generating audio signals associated with the media.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising presenting the audio signals. 12.The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving audio signals fromthe media player associated with the media; and presenting the audiosignals.
 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving by wayof a second selection applied to the graphical user interface a requestto copy the media from the media player; retrieving the media from themedia player; and storing the media.
 14. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising: submitting to a multimedia system the identification of themedia player; and receiving from the multimedia system the emulatoraccording to the identification.
 15. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising retrieving the emulator according to the identification ofthe media player.
 16. The method of claim 7, further comprisingreceiving the emulator from the media player.
 17. A computer-readablestorage device, comprising instructions that, when executed by a mediaplayer, cause the media player to perform operations comprising: sendinga set-top box an identification of the media player; receivingoperational instructions from the set-top box according to an emulatorexecuted by the set-top box that emulates a user interface of the mediaplayer by presenting a representation of the media player in a graphicaluser interface; transmitting media content to the set-top box accordingto the operational instructions; wherein the emulator is supplied to theset-top box by way of a multimedia system communicatively coupled to theset-top box; wherein the multimedia system selects the emulatoraccording to the identification of the media player; wherein the userinterface presented by the set-top box by way of the emulator mimicsfunctions of the media player; wherein the media player presents one ofaudio media, moving image media, or still image media; and wherein thegraphical user interface is presented on a display device of a remotecontroller or a presentation device coupled to the set-top box.
 18. Thecomputer-readable storage device of claim 17, wherein the still imagemedia conforms to one of a joint photographic experts group standard, ora graphic interchange format standard.
 19. The computer-readable storagedevice of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise sending theemulator to the set-top box.
 20. The computer-readable storage device ofclaim 17, wherein the identification of the media player comprises oneof a model number, a serial number, or a description of the mediaplayer.